Clinical Atletico see off Rayo Vallecano to cement third spot

MADRID: Atletico Madrid cruised to a 3-0 home win over city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Thursday, thanks to goals from Alexander Sorloth, Conor Gallagher and Julian Alvarez. The victory strengthened their hold on third place in LaLiga, moving Diego Simeone’s side to 66 points, six clear of fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.

Coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Las Palmas that effectively ended their title hopes, Atletico responded with a commanding performance. Sorloth opened the scoring just three minutes in, heading in Giuliano Simeone’s cross. The Norwegian nearly added a second shortly after, but Rayo keeper Augusto Batalla denied him.

Gallagher doubled the lead before halftime with a powerful header from Rodrigo De Paul’s pinpoint cross. Julian Alvarez then capped the night in style, finishing coolly from Antoine Griezmann’s clever assist in the 77th minute.

“It was a pretty entertaining match… In the second half, the team played with more order. The play that led to the third goal was exquisite,” Simeone reflected post-match.

Despite the scoreline, Rayo had their chances, with Isi Palazon and Alvaro Garcia testing Jan Oblak. But the Atletico goalkeeper stood firm to preserve the clean sheet.

Alvarez, who has now netted 27 goals in all competitions this season, remained grounded. “I try to improve every day… We’re a long way behind in the standings, so we’re focusing on ourselves.”

With Champions League qualification nearly secured, Atletico’s focus now turns to ending the season on a high note.